Becoming You

On Rosh Hashana, we pledge not to remain a cheap imitation of our 'old self.'

There is a fascinating dialectic contained within Rosh Hashana. On one hand, it's the beginning of the new year. And yet Rosh Hashana actually occurs in the seventh month, (Nissan, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, is the first month -- see Exodus 12:2.) This means that Rosh Hashana actually falls out in the middle of the year!

There is a deep secret contained in this. People reach the middle of their lives and think that meaningful change is impossible. Therefore, the Almighty put Rosh Hashana in the middle of the year to teach us that it's never too late to begin again.

In the most obvious sense, Rosh Hashana is all about making God our king, for whom we have awesome respect and commit to following His instructions.

But there's an even more primary step. The Kotzker Rebbe once observed that some people come to him in search of assistance to reach God. But their efforts are for naught, for "[God's] glory fills all the earth" (Isaiah 6:3). Rather, the Kotzker taught, for whom must people search? For themselves.

The Midrash (Kohelet Rabba 1:3) comments that "one who grows old is like an ape." The Kotzker Rebbe explains that the nature of an ape is to imitate. "Just as it is the way of an ape to imitate humans, so too, a person, when he has become old, imitates himself, and does what was his manner previously." In other words, most of us, at some point in life, either consciously or not, become satisfied with who we are and what we've become. As such, we cease to strive toward attaining greater spiritual heights. We are content to live out our remaining days as a mere imitation of ourselves!

From this we see that the Torah perspective on "growing old" is not a function of age, but rather on whether we remain committed to spiritual growth.

Therefore, the question we all must ask is: Have I become an imitation of myself? And if so, when did it happen and what factors are to blame? Is it malaise, a crisis in belief, anger at God, or simply laziness? Unless we find the root of the problem, how can we hope to uproot it?

But there's another, perhaps bigger, question: Who do I want to be? As Hillel says, "If not for me, then who?" (Avot 1:14) In other words, if I recognize the need to go beyond the "me," because I am no longer content with who I am now, then "who" exactly would I like to become?

Rosh Hashana is the most ideal time to contemplate this. Because on Rosh Hashana the DNA for the year is being formed, and God looks to us as partners in its creation.

Rabbi Akiva Tatz gives the following example: Imagine you're an architect sitting in front of a blueprint. Think about how much easier it is to change the position of the windows before you construct the building than it is after the house has been built!

Rosh Hashana is the time when we make the blueprint for our new selves. The power to envision what we want to become is exponentially greater now, than it is once the year has already been built.

Using this as a framework, let's go deeper. Every situation, or "scene" we find ourselves in life -- whether as seemingly trivial as standing on line in the supermarket, or deciding whether or not to lose our temper -- is a uniquely designed opportunity for us to grow spiritually, to become more "God-like." On some level, we are like actors and God is the Ultimate Playwright.

Now imagine the author is about write the next act, but before he does so he gives you the opportunity to discuss who you'd like to be, and what role you'd like to play in the new production. This is what the prayers of Rosh Hashanah are all about. The Almighty is about to create the new year, but before He does, in the ultimate sign of love and respect, He looks to us for input.

Take the time to dream the greatest dream of yourself, and then chart the course to realizing it. Ask yourself: Am I constantly striving to be a better parent/spouse? Am I making an effort to learn Hebrew and observe Shabbos? Do I empathize with the plight of Jews around the world, and the devastating terror in Israel? Do I have a fixed time for Torah study every day?

Now structure a timetable for achieving your goals. For some reason, we never think in terms of deadlines when it comes to spirituality. But why not? As Hillel concludes, "If not now, when?" "Now" that I have envisioned the new me, "when" will I bring it into being?

Great days are coming. Let's use them to make a big breakthrough, for ourselves and our world.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 10

(10)
Binyamin,
September 30, 2014 6:52 PM

The words of Torah are Eternal and always applicable everywhere.

Here we are Sept 30,2014 ,your Torah wisdom is wonderfully written and so pertinent ,Thank you again.

(9)
Joy Krauthammer,
October 24, 2008 1:40 PM

Using our New Year's "blueprint"

Dear David,
It is so good and a blesSing to be able to read your holy teachings on Aish since lately I don't get into LA for the Carlebach Happy Minyan and miss it.
You share, "...question: Who do I want to be? As Hillel says, "If not for me, then who?" (Avot 1:14)"
This coming week I offer a Baby Boomers Joy of Wisdom workshop at American Jewish University on SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH - A Sage-ing Journey & Ritual, and Nov. 16th I offer this for Sarah's Tent in LA. joyofwisdom1@gmail.com
What you are saying is part of what I am offering others to experientially deeply examine and redefine and empower within themselves.
Pirkei Avot 5:21 states, "At age sixty, one attains old age." So, nu, how do we recognize our wisdom, claim it and what do we do with it?
With all our introspection during the High Holy Days, as you said, we can continue to transcend "beyond" our self-limitations and spiritually transform. I'm still working on it.
BlesSings of joy, health and creativity in our New Year.
Joy Krauthammer

(8)
Baruch Rabinowitz,
September 4, 2007 7:26 PM

Satmar Rebbe and imitating self

There is a well known story of a Badchan who was the PURIM RAV at the Purim tish of the Satmar Rebbe (Rav Yoel) ztl and he started imitating the way the Rebbe davened on Yom Kippur. His voice, his niggun, copius tears etc.. and suddenly the Rebbe himself started to cry. The Purim Rav became concerned and worried and frightfully asked the Rebbe what he has done wrong. The Rebbe assured him that there was nothing to be concerned about. He said as I was marveling over your perfect imitation of me I started to ponder whether I am really also only imitating myself.

(7)
goldie,
September 3, 2007 8:04 AM

yes and indeed!

I've become akeenly aware of my need to grow and change most recently. I'm 46, and 40, is the number of judgement. Not saying that I feel judged, but rather a neccesity to judge myself, my standards, my choices, my decisions, and especially my words and thoughts. As it were, the meditation of my heart.This is an article of awareness. Thank you for sharing these wisdoms, and for helping us to gain understanding, which surely we all need. Shalom... momma gold

(6)
Ruth Housman,
September 3, 2007 6:21 AM

the greatest story-teller of all

On some level, we are like actors and God is the Ultimate Playwright

Thanks for writing this. I have been writing about this intensively for a long time. When we thrill to the words of Shakespeare, "All the world's a stage" perhaps at some deeper level we do realize the truth of these words.

I do believe there is a learning curve built into all of our lives and that this learning curve has to do with becoming more sensitive. What we are being thrown through the vicissitudes of journey, these curves, and how we respond to them and how others respond to us, in a seeming river of obstacles, beauty and opportunity, well this changes us or should cause us to ponder meaning and the "way", meaning the necessity of reaching higher in terms of our morality and ways of being towards not only each other, but the entire creation, meaning a respect and honor for the environment and all that lives within. This is a bringing forward of "divinity" and what we "divine" should be teaching us these lessons about love.

(5)
Aline,
September 3, 2007 5:00 AM

Brand new

It is incredible how God conducts us to the right path when we are willing to be guided by Him. It was no coincidence that I was led to this article! Time to get away from my comfort zones and move ahead for a "much better me". Aline,originally from Brazil,living in Germany

(4)
fannykorn,
October 19, 2006 6:53 AM

I recieved this program from a beloved cousin. Although I am not religious, I would like to know much more about my Jewishness. Have sofar looked at the poetry and some articles by women. Want to keep learning more. Regards from fanny. Australia.

(3)
Miryam,
September 30, 2004 12:00 AM

Great Article!

This one grat article!

(2)
Anonymous,
September 26, 2003 12:00 AM

Amazing Article

I read an interesting wuote that summarizes this article: "If you feel far away from G-d, geuss who moved?"

(1)
Beverly Frank,
September 22, 2003 12:00 AM

Article was rich in analogies and reminding us that we can truly play a role in changing our destiny for the year, as well as our lives.

I thoroughly benefited from reading this article. I was going to attend a High Holiday lecture by a fine Rabbi, but was feeling very well this evening. I was inspired and appreciative of this author.